Boots on the ground: Latest updates from the Potato Innovations group

Part of the National Integrated Disease Management program (PT23002), this Hort Innovation-funded project is targeting powdery scab, black dot, pink rot, black leg and verticillium wilt.

The team’s research focuses on reducing the impact of these diseases by improving pathogen testing capabilities, understanding disease sources to inform pre-plant decisions, and developing new management tools

Now eight months into the project, trials have been established across multiple states, with new management strategies already being tested in commercial settings. These include "Germinate to Exterminate" techniques for powdery scab management and copper gluconate as a "Diffuse to Confuse" product to prevent pathogen movement to potato roots.

The team is also progressing the development of biological agents targeting powdery scab and has identified key pasture and green manure hosts associated with pink rot. Preliminary findings will be shared at industry events, with more comprehensive results released each season as data is analysed.

The project recruits postdoctoral researchers and students, working alongside experts to help support the next generation of potato disease specialists. Together, their work will advance the delivery of new, practical, science-based recommendations for managing soil-borne diseases.

Learn more about the team and their work in the article below.

For more information on this project

Contact Dr Kristen Stirling (RMCG)
kristens@rmcg.com.au